Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
  • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
  • E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
  • E21B33/10—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells in the borehole
  • E21B33/12—Packers; Plugs
  • E21B33/1208—Packers; Plugs characterised by the construction of the sealing or packing means
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
  • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
  • E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
  • E21B33/10—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells in the borehole
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16J—PISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
  • F16J15/00—Sealings
  • F16J15/16—Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16J—PISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
  • F16J15/00—Sealings
  • F16J15/16—Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces
  • F16J15/32—Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces with elastic sealings, e.g. O-rings
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16J—PISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
  • F16J15/00—Sealings
  • F16J15/16—Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces
  • F16J15/32—Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces with elastic sealings, e.g. O-rings
  • F16J15/3284—Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces with elastic sealings, e.g. O-rings characterised by their structure; Selection of materials

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates generally to seals for use oil and gas operatio such as drilling, completion, and production, and, more specifically, to a seali apparatus for high pressure high temperature (“HPHT”) applications.
• HPHT high pressure high temperature
• chevron seals are used in sealing apparatus to provide both static and dynamic seals between concentrically disposed members in oil, gas, geothermal, water injection, and other wells.
• the contact stress between the chevron seals and the concentrically disposed members must be greater than the fluid pressure applied to the wetted face of the chevron seals.
• chevron seals were designed to perform under substantially less severe temperature and pressure conditions than those encountered during modern oilfield operations. For example, well conditions in the oil and gas industry during the development of chevron seals rarely exceeded 5,000 psi and 250° F. However, it is not uncommon for chevron seals to experience pressures of 12,500 psi and temperatures of 400° F.
• Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an offshore oil and gas platform operably coupled to a well tool disposed within a wellbore, according to an exemplary embodiment.
• FIG 3 is an enlarged view of the sealing apparatus of Figure 2, the sealing apparatus including an adapter, a pair of back-up rings, a sealing ring, a compression ring, and an energizing ring, according to an exemplary embodiment.
• Figure 4 is radial cross-section of the sealing ring of Figure 3, according to an exemplary embodiment.
• Figure 5A is a radial cross-section of the sealing apparatus of Figures 2-4 in an un-energized configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment.
• Figure 5B is a radial cross-section of the sealing apparatus of Figure 2-4 and 5A in an energized configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment.
• the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the apparatus in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. For example, if an apparatus in the Figures is turned over, elements described as being “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below.
• the apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.
• a Figure may depict a horizontal wellbore or a vertical wellbore, unless indicated otherwise, it should be understood that the apparatus according to the present disclosure is equally well suited for use in wellbores having other orientations including vertical wellbores, horizontal wellbores, slanted wellbores, multilateral wellbores, or the like. Further, unless otherwise noted, even though a Figure may depict an offshore operation, it should be understood that the apparatus according to the present disclosure is equally well suited for use in onshore operations. Finally, unless otherwise noted, even though a Figure may depict a cased-hole wellbore, it should be understood that the apparatus according to the present disclosure is equally well suited for use in open-hole wellbore operations.
• an offshore oil and gas platform is schematically illustrated and generally designated by the reference numeral 10.
• the offshore oil and gas platform 10 includes a semi-submersible platform 12 that is positioned over a submerged oil and gas formation 14 located below a sea floor 16.
• a subsea conduit 18 extends from a deck 20 of the platform 12 to a subsea wellhead installation 22.
• One or more pressure control devices 24, such as, for example, blowout preventers (BOPs), and/or other equipment associated with drilling or producing a wellbore may be provided at the subsea wellhead installation 22 or elsewhere in the system.
• the platform 12 may include a hoisting apparatus 26, a derrick 28, a travel block 30, a hook 32, and a swivel 34, which components are together operable for raising and lowering a conveyance vehicle 36.
• conveyance vehicles 36 may be raised and lowered from the platform 12, such as, for example, casing, drill pipe, coiled tubing, production tubing, other types of pipe or tubing strings, and/or other types of conveyance vehicles, such as wireline, slickline, and the like.
• the conveyance vehicle 36 is a substantially tubular, axially extending tubular string made up of a plurality of pipe joints coupled to one another end-to-end.
• the platform 12 may also include a kelly, a rotary table, a top drive unit, and/or other equipment associated with the rotation and/or translation of the conveyance vehicle 36.
• a wellbore 38 extends from the subsea wellhead installation 22 and through the various earth strata, including the formation 14. At least a portion of the wellbore 38 may include a casing string 40 cemented therein. Connected to the conveyance vehicle 36 and extending within the wellbore 38 is a well tool 42 in which the seal assembly for HPHT applications of the present disclosure is incorporated.
• the well tool 42 includes a seal mandrel 44, a receptacle 46 within which the seal mandrel 44 extends, and a sealing apparatus 100 that sealingly engages both the seal mandrel 44 and the receptacle 46.
• the seal mandrel 44 includes an annular groove 48 formed in the exterior thereof.
• the annular groove 48 is formed in the interior of the receptacle 46.
• the annular groove 48 defines an axially- extending surface 50 adjoining a pair of opposing annular shoulders 52 and 54.
• the annular shoulder 52 faces in an axial direction 56.
• the annular shoulder 54 faces in an axial direction 58, which is substantially opposite the axial direction 56.
• the receptacle 46 defines an interior bore 60 within which the seal mandrel 44 is adapted to stroke. Clearance gaps 62 and 64 are defined between the seal mandrel 44 and the interior bore 60 of the receptacle 46 on opposing sides of the annular groove 48.
• the seal mandrel 44 includes a threaded ring that defines the annular shoulder 52, the threaded ring being removable from the seal mandrel 44 to permit installation of the sealing apparatus 100.
• one or both of the annular shoulders 52 and 54 are defined by lantern rings attached to the exterior of the seal mandrel 44 or, alternatively, to the interior bore 60 of the receptacle 46.
• the well tool 42 could be any well tool utilized for the drilling, completion, production, workover, and/or treatment of the wellbore 38.
• the seal mandrel 44 is, includes, or is part of a well tool and the receptacle 46 is, includes, or is part of another well tool.
• one or both of the seal mandrel 44 and or the receptacle 46 may be omitted in favor of an equivalent component of the well tool 42 or another well tool utilized for the drilling, completion, production, workover, and/or treatment of the wellbore 38, as the case may be.
• the sealing apparatus 100 is disposed within the annular groove 48, between the annular shoulders 52 and 54.
• a clearance gap 66 may be defined between the sealing apparatus 100 and the interior bore 60 of the receptacle 46.
• the clearance gaps 62, 64, and 66 together define an annular space within which the sealing apparatus 100 is adapted to seal against a fluid pressure.
• the sealing apparatus 100 is capable of providing either static or dynamic sealing between the seal mandrel 44 and the receptacle 46.
• both the axially-extending surface 52 of the seal mandrel 44 and the interior bore 60 of the receptacle 46 are sealingly engaged by the sealing apparatus 100 to form a static seal.
• the sealing apparatus 100 is energized during the stroke of the seal mandrel 44, the axially-extending surface 50 of the seal mandrel 44 is sealingly engaged by the sealing apparatus 100 and the interior bore 60 of the receptacle 46 is sealingly and slidably engaged by the sealing apparatus 100 to form a dynamic seal.
• the sealing apparatus 100 is described herein as forming a seal between the seal mandrel 44 and the receptacle 46, the sealing apparatus 100 may also be utilized to form a seal between other concentrically disposed components within the wellbore 38 or elsewhere.
• the sealing apparatus 100 includes an adapter 102, a pair of back-up rings 104 and 106, a sealing ring 108, a compression ring 1 10, and an energizing element 1 12.
• the adapter 102 extends about the seal mandrel 44 and is disposed within the annular groove 48, adjacent and between the annular shoulder 52 and the back-up ring 104.
• the adapter 102 includes a generally planar surface 1 14 facing in the axial direction 58.
• the planar surface 1 14 is adapted to engage the annular shoulder 52 when the sealing apparatus 100 is energized.
• the adapter 102 also includes a substantially V-shaped concave surface 1 16 opposing the planar surface 1 14 and facing generally in the axial direction 56.
• an interior wall 1 18 of the adapter 102 extends axially between the planar surface 1 14 and the concave surface 1 16.
• an exterior wall 120 of the adapter 102 extends axially between the planar surface 1 14 and the concave surface 1 16, opposite the interior wall 1 18.
• the interior and exterior walls 1 18 and 120 are spaced in a substantially parallel relation.
• the adapter 102 is formed of a rigid material, such as, for example, plastic, composite, metal, another rigid material, or any combination thereof. However, other materials could be used to form the adapter 102 based on factors such as chemical compatibility, application temperature, sealing pressure, and the like.
• the back-up ring 104 extends about the seal mandrel 44 and is disposed within the annular groove 48, adjacent and between the adapter 102 and the back-up ring 106.
• the back-up ring 104 includes a substantially arc-shaped nose 122 facing generally in the axial direction 58.
• the nose 122 is adapted to engage the concave surface 1 16 of the adapter 102 when the sealing apparatus 100 is energized.
• the back-up ring 104 also includes a substantially arc-shaped concave surface 124 opposing the nose 122.
• the concave surface 124 faces generally in the axial direction 56 and is adjoined by a pair of generally planar segments 126a and 126b on opposing sides thereof.
• an interior wall 128 of the back-up ring 104 adjoins and extends axially between the nose 122 and the planar segment 126a.
• an exterior wall 130 of the back-up ring 104 adjoins and extends axially between the nose 122 and the planar segment 126b, opposite the interior wall 128.
• the interior and exterior walls 128 and 130 are spaced in a substantially parallel relation.
• the back-up ring 104 is formed of polyetheretherketone (PEEK).
• PEEK polyetheretherketone
• the back-up ring 104 may be formed of another thermoplastic or thermoset material, such as, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a.k.a. Teflon®, among others.
• PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
• Teflon® polytetrafluoroethylene
• other materials could be used to form the back-up ring 104 based on factors such as chemical compatibility, application temperature, sealing pressure, and the like.
• the back-up ring 104 could have alternate shapes or configurations, such as, for example, a chevron- or vee- shape, among others.
• the back-up ring 104 is adapted to flare outwardly to provide support and prevent extrusion of the back-up ring 106 and the sealing ring 108 when the sealing apparatus 100 is energized.
• the back-up ring 106 extends about the seal mandrel 44 and is disposed within the annular groove 48, adjacent and between the back-up ring 104 and the sealing ring 108.
• the back-up ring 106 includes a substantially arc-shaped nose 132 facing generally in the axial direction 58.
• the nose 132 is adapted to engage the concave surface 124 and the planar segments 126a and 126b of the back-up ring 104 when the sealing apparatus 100 is energized.
• the back-up ring 106 also includes a substantially arc-shaped concave surface 134 opposing the nose 132.
• the concave surface 134 faces generally in the axial direction 56 and is adjoined by a pair of generally planar segments 136a and 136b on opposing sides thereof.
• an interior wall 138 of the back-up ring 106 adjoins and extends axially between the nose 132 and the planar segment 136a.
• an exterior wall 140 of the back-up ring 106 adjoins and extends axially between the nose 132 and the planar segment 136b, opposite the interior wall 138.
• the interior and exterior walls 138 and 140 are spaced in a substantially parallel relation.
• the back-up ring 106 is formed of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a.k.a. Teflon®.
• PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
• the back-up ring 104 may be formed of another thermoplastic or thermoset material, such as, for example, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), among others.
• PEEK polyetheretherketone
• other materials could be used to form the back-up ring 106 based on factors such as chemical compatibility, application temperature, sealing pressure, and the like.
• the back-up ring 106 has been depicted as having the nose 132 and the concave surface 134 adjoined by the planar segments 136a and 136b, the back-up ring 106 could have alternate shapes or configurations, such as, for example, a chevron- or vee- shape, among others. In any event, the back-up ring 106 is adapted to flare outwardly to provide support and prevent extrusion of the sealing ring 108 when the sealing apparatus 100 is energized.
• the sealing ring 108 extends about the seal mandrel 44 and is disposed within the annular groove 48, adjacent and between the back-up ring 106 and the compression ring 1 10.
• the sealing ring 108 includes a nose 142 defining, for example, a pair of oppositely inclined surfaces 144a and 144b, and a substantially arc-shaped convex surface 144c adjoining the surfaces 144a and 144b.
• the surfaces 144a and 144b each have a generally frusto-conical shape.
• the nose 142 faces generally in the axial direction 58 and is adapted to engage the concave surface 134 and the planar segments 136a and 136b of the backup ring 106 when the sealing apparatus 100 is energized.
• the sealing ring 108 includes a substantially arc-shaped convex surface 146 opposing the nose 142.
• the convex surface 146 faces generally in the axial direction 56.
• the sealing ring 108 includes oppositely inclined interior and exterior walls 148 and 150.
• the interior and exterior walls 148 and 150 each have a generally frusto-conical shape.
• the interior wall 148 defines opposing edges 148a and 148b.
• the exterior wall 150 defines opposing edges 150a and 150b.
• the nose 142 adjoins the interior and exterior walls 148 and 150, so that the surface 144a of the nose 142 adjoins the interior wall 148 and the surface 144b of the nose 142 adjoins the exterior wall 150.
• the convex surface 146 adjoins the interior and exterior walls 148 and 150 at the respective edges 148b and 150b thereof.
• the sealing ring 108 is formed of an elastomeric material such as Viton®, Aflas®, Kalraz®, or the like. Additionally, the sealing ring 108 may be formed of another elastomer, such as, for example, synthetic rubber, butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, fluoroelastomer, perfluoroelastomer, or the like. Moreover, the sealing ring 108 may be formed of another thermoplastic or thermoset material, such as, for example, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a.k.a. Teflon®, among others.
• PEEK polyetheretherketone
• PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
• sealing ring 108 is adapted to expand outwardly to provide contact stress against the axially-extending surface 50 of the seal mandrel 44 and the interior bore 60 of the receptacle 46 when the sealing apparatus 100 is energized.
• the structure of the sealing ring 108 will be discussed in further detail below with reference to Figure 4.
• the compression ring 1 10 extends about the seal mandrel 44 and is disposed within the annular groove 48, adjacent and between the sealing ring 108 and the energizing element 1 12.
• the compression ring 1 10 includes a generally planar surface 152 facing in the axial direction 58.
• the planar surface 152 is adapted to engage the convex surface 146 of the sealing ring 108 when the sealing apparatus 100 is energized.
• the compression ring 1 10 also includes a substantially V-shaped concave surface 154 opposing the planar surface 152 and facing generally in the axial direction 56.
• an interior wall 156 of the compression ring 1 10 adjoins and extends axially between the planar surface 152 and the concave surface 154.
• an exterior wall 158 of the compression ring 1 10 adjoins and extends axially between the planar surface 152 and the concave surface 154, opposite the interior wall 156.
• the interior and exterior walls 156 and 158 are spaced in a substantially parallel relation.
• the compression ring 1 10 is formed of a rigid material, such as, for example, plastic, composite, metal, another rigid material, or any combination thereof.
• a rigid material such as, for example, plastic, composite, metal, another rigid material, or any combination thereof.
• other materials could be used to form the compression ring 1 10 based on factors such as chemical compatibility, application temperature, sealing pressure, and the like.
• the compression ring 1 10 has been depicted as having the planar surface 152, the concave surface 154, and the interior and exterior walls 156 and 158, the compression ring 1 10 could have alternate shapes or configurations. In any event, the compression ring 1 10 is adapted to depress the convex surface 146 of the sealing ring 108 when the sealing apparatus 100 is energized.
• the energizing element 1 12 extends about the seal mandrel 44 and is disposed within the annular groove 48, adjacent and between the compression ring 1 10 and the annular shoulder 54.
• the energizing element 1 12 includes a substantially V- shaped nose 160 facing generally in the axial direction 58.
• the nose 160 is adapted to engage the concave surface 154 of the compression ring 1 10 when the sealing apparatus 100 is energized.
• the energizing element 1 12 also includes a generally planar surface 162 opposing the nose 160 and facing in the axial direction 56.
• an interior wall 164 of the energizing element 1 12 adjoins and extends axially between the nose 160 and the planar surface 162.
• an exterior wall 166 of the energizing element 1 12 adjoins and extends axially between the nose 160 and the planar surface 162, opposite the interior wall 164.
• the interior and exterior walls 164 and 166 are spaced in a substantially parallel relation.
• the energizing element 1 12 is formed of an elastomer, such as, for example, synthetic rubber, butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, fluoroelastomer, perfluoroelastomer, a thermoplastic or thermoset material, or the like.
• the energizing element 1 12 is formed of rigid material, such as, for example, plastic, composite, metal, another rigid material, or any combination thereof.
• the energizing element 1 12 could be used to form the energizing element 1 12 based on factors such as chemical compatibility, application temperature, sealing pressure, and the like. Additionally, even though the energizing element 1 12 has been depicted as having the nose 160, the planar surface 162, and the interior and exterior walls 164 and 166, the energizing element 1 12 could have alternate shapes or configurations, such as, for example, quad rings, square block seals, beta seals, and the like. In any event, the energizing element 1 12 is adapted to energize the sealing apparatus 100 when sufficient fluid pressure is applied thereto. Additionally, the energizing element 1 12 provides support to the sealing apparatus 100 when the sealing apparatus 100 is not energized.
• Figure 4 an exemplary embodiment of the sealing ring 108 is illustrated, including the nose 142, the convex surface 146, and the interior and exterior walls 148 and 150. More particularly, Figure 4 depicts a radial cross-section of the sealing ring 108, taken along a radius that intersects the longitudinal center axis of the sealing ring 108.
• the surfaces 144a and 144b of the nose 142 adjoin the convex surface 144c of the nose 142.
• the convex surface 144c defines a radius 168 of .07 inches.
• the surfaces 144a and 144b also adjoin the edges 148a and 150a of the interior and exterior walls 148 and 150, respectively.
• the surfaces 144a and 144b each define an inclination angle 170 of 37.5 degrees measured from the longitudinal center axis of the sealing ring 108.
• the convex surface 144c defines a radius 172 of .120 inches.
• the interior and exterior walls 148 and 150 each define a wall height 174 of .180 inches.
• the sealing ring 108 defines a width 176 of .185 inches measured between the edges 148a and 150a of the interior and exterior walls 148 and 150, respectively.
• the sealing ring 108 defines a width 178 of .212 inches measured between the edges 148b and 150b of the interior and exterior walls 148 and 150, respectively.
• the interior and exterior walls 148 and 150 each define an inclination angle 180 of 4.3 degrees measured from the longitudinal center axis of the sealing ring 108.
• the sealing ring 108 defines an overall height 182 of .319 inches between the center point of the convex surface 146 and the center point of the convex surface 144c.
• the sealing ring 108 is described above, including the dimensions of the radii 168 and 172, the angles 170 and 180, the heights 174 and 182, and the widths 176 and 178, it should be understood that the dimensions of the sealing ring 108 may be changed to suit a variety of different applications.
• the ratio of the radius 168 to the radius 172 is between .5 and .7. In some embodiments, the ratio of the radius 168 to the radius 172 is between .55 and .65. In still other embodiments, the ratio of the radius 168 to the radius 172 is about .58. Further, in several exemplary embodiments, the ratio of the angle 170 to the angle 180 is between 8 and 10.
• the ratio of the angle 170 to the angle 180 is between 8.5 and 9.5. In still other embodiments, the ratio of the angle 170 to the angle 180 is about 8.74. Further still, in several exemplary embodiments, the ratio of the height 174 to the height 182 is between .45 and .65. In some embodiments, the ratio of the height 174 to the height 182 is between .5 and .6. In still other embodiments, the ratio of the height 174 to the height 182 is about .56. Finally, in several exemplary embodiments, the ratio of the width 176 to the width 178 is between .75 and .95. In some embodiments, the ratio of the width 176 to the width 178 is between .8 and .9.
• the ratio of the width 176 to the width 178 is about .87. Moreover, in several exemplary embodiments, the ratio of the width 178 to the overall height 182 is between .55 and .75. In some embodiments, the ratio of the width 178 to the overall height 182 is between .6 and .7. In still other embodiments, the ratio of the width 178 to the overall height 182 is about .66.
• the sealing apparatus 100 forms a seal against a fluid pressure in the annular space defined by the clearance gaps 62, 64, and 66.
• the sealing apparatus 100 acts as a unidirectional seal that prevents, or at least obstructs, the migration of a pressurized fluid from the clearance gap 64 to the clearance gap 62, in the axial direction 58.
• the force of the pressurized fluid acts on the planar surface 162 of the energizing element 1 12 to urge the energizing element 1 12 in the axial direction 58.
• the sealing apparatus 100 is compressed against the annular shoulder 52 of the seal mandrel 44 so that the various components of the sealing apparatus 100 engage one another, as shown in Figure 5A.
• the nose 160 of the energizing element 1 12 engages the concave surface 154 of the compression ring 1 10;
• the planar surface 152 of the compression ring 1 10 engages the convex surface 146 of the sealing ring 108;
• the nose 142 of the sealing ring 108 engages the concave surface 134 of the back-up ring 106;
• the nose 132 of the back-up ring 106 engages the concave surface 124 of the back-up ring 104;
• the nose 122 of the back-up ring 104 engages the concave surface 1 16 of the adapter 102;
• the planar surface 1 14 of the adapter 102 engages the annular shoulder 52 of the seal mandrel 44.
• the sealing ring 108 is pliable so that the pressurized fluid energizes the sealing ring 108, as shown in Figure 5B.
• the pressure at which the sealing ring 108 becomes energized depends upon factors such as the material composition of the sealing ring 108, the chemical compatibility between the sealing ring 108 and the application fluid, the temperature of the application fluid, and the like.
• the sealing ring 108 is energized by the interaction of the planar surface 152 of the compression ring 1 10 with the convex surface 146 of the sealing ring 108 and, additionally, the interaction of the nose 142 of the sealing ring 108 with the concave surface 134 of the back-up ring 106.
• the sealing ring 108 is energized by direct contact with the pressurized fluid.
• Energizing the sealing ring 108 causes both axial compression and radial expansion of the sealing ring 108.
• the axial compression of the sealing ring 108 causes the nose 142 of the sealing ring 108 to conform with the concave surface 134 of the back-up ring 106.
• the convex surface 146 of the sealing ring 108 is depressed by the planar surface 152 of the compression ring 1 10, causing the interior and exterior walls 148 and 150 of the sealing ring 108 to expand outwardly and engage both the seal mandrel 44 and the receptacle 46.
• the resulting contact stress exerted on the seal mandrel 44 and the receptacle 46 by the sealing ring 108 exceeds the pressure exerted on the sealing ring 108 by the pressurized fluid.
• the cross-sectional shape of the sealing ring 108 causes the contact stress exerted on the seal mandrel 44 and the receptacle 46 to be concentrated and maximized near the edges 148b and 150b of the interior and exterior walls 148 and 150, respectively.
• the concentration of the contact stress near the edges 148b and 150b causes the sealing ring 108 to sealingly engage both the axial ly-extending surface 50 of the seal mandrel 44 and the interior bore 60 of the receptacle 46.
• the back-up rings 104 and 106 when the contact stress is concentrated near the edges 148b and 150b of the sealing ring 108, the back-up rings 104 and 106 better equipped to prevent, or at least obstruct, extrusion of the sealing ring 108, as will be discussed in further detail below.
• the backup ring 106 When the back-up ring 106 reaches a threshold temperature range, the backup ring 106 becomes pliable so that the pressurized fluid energizes the back-up ring 106, as shown in Figure 5B.
• the pressure at which the back-up ring 106 becomes energized depends upon factors such as the material composition of the back-up ring 106, the chemical compatibility between the back-up ring 106 and the application fluid, the temperature of the application fluid, and the like.
• the back-up ring 106 is energized by the interaction of the nose 142 of the sealing ring 108 with the concave surface 134 of the back-up ring 106 and, additionally, the interaction of the nose 132 of the back-up ring 106 with the concave surface 124 of the back-up ring 104.
• Energizing the back-up ring 106 causes both axial compression and radial expansion of the back-up ring 106.
• the axial compression of the back-up ring 106 causes the nose 132 of the back-up ring 106 to conform with the concave surface 124 of the back-up ring 104.
• the interior and exterior walls 138 and 140 of the back-up ring 106 flare outwardly to engage both the axially-extending surface 50 of the seal mandrel 44 and the interior bore 60 of the receptacle 46.
• the outward flaring of the back-up ring 106 prevents, or at least obstructs, extrusion of the sealing ring 108.
• the backup ring 104 When the back-up ring 104 reaches a threshold temperature range, the backup ring 104 becomes pliable so that the pressurized fluid energized the back-up ring 104, as shown in Figure 5B.
• the pressure at which the back-up ring 104 becomes energized depends upon factors such as the material composition of the back-up ring 104, the chemical compatibility between the application fluid and the back-up ring 104, the temperature of the application fluid, and the like.
• the back-up ring 104 is energized by the interaction of the nose 132 of the back-up ring 106 with the concave surface 124 of the back-up ring 104 and, additionally, the interaction of the nose 122 of the back-up ring 104 with the concave surface 1 16 of the adapter 102.
• Energizing the back-up ring 104 causes both axial compression and radial expansion of the back-up ring 104.
• the axial compression of the back-up ring 104 causes the nose 122 of the back-up ring 104 to conform with the concave surface 1 16 of the adapter 102.
• the interior and exterior walls 128 and 130 of the back-up ring 104 flare outwardly to engage both the axially-extending surface 50 of the seal mandrel 44 and the interior bore 60 of the receptacle 46.
• the outward flaring of the back-up ring 104 prevents, or at least obstructs, extrusion of the back-up ring 106 and, consequently, the sealing ring 108.
• the back-up ring 106 could be made of a material that prevents extrusion of the sealing ring 108 within a first temperature and/or pressure range.
• the back-up ring 104 could be made of a material that prevents extrusion of the back-up ring 106 and, consequently, the sealing ring 108, within a second temperature and/or pressure range that is generally higher than the first temperature and/or pressure range.
• the sealing ring 108 is made of 90 durometer Viton®
• the back-up ring 106 is made of 25% glass-filled polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a.k.a. Teflon®
• the back-up ring 104 is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK).
• the 25% glass-filled polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) of the back-up ring 106 is capable of controlling extrusion of the sealing ring 108 at temperatures below 300° F.
• the polyetheretherketone (PEEK) of the back-up ring 104 controls extrusion of the back-up ring 106 and the sealing ring 108 at temperatures near or above 300° F.
• the back-up ring 104 is omitted so that the sealing apparatus 100 includes the adapter 102, the back-up ring 106, the sealing ring 108, the compression ring 1 10, and the energizing element 1 12.
• the back-up ring 106 is omitted so that the sealing apparatus 100 includes the adapter 102, the back-up ring 104, the sealing ring 108, the compression ring 1 10, and the energizing element 1 12.
• one or both of the compression ring 1 10 and the energizing element 1 12 are omitted so that the sealing apparatus 100 includes the adapter 102, one or both of the back-up rings 104 and 106, and the sealing ring 108. Additionally, although the sealing ring 108 has been described as part of the sealing apparatus 100, in several exemplary embodiments, the sealing ring 108 is, includes, or is part of another sealing apparatus.
• the sealing apparatus 100 is reversed so that, instead of preventing, or at least obstructing, migration of the pressurized fluid from the clearance gap 64 to the clearance gap 62, in the axial direction 58, the sealing apparatus 100 prevents, or at least obstructs, migration of the pressurized fluid from the clearance gap 62 to the clearance gap 64, in the axial direction 56.
• one or more additional sealing apparatus 100 may be provided within the annular groove 48 to provide one or more redundant seals adapted to prevent, or at least obstruct, migration of pressurized fluid from the clearance gap 64 to the clearance gap 62, in the axial direction 58.
• one or more additional sealing apparatus 100 may be provided within the annular groove 48 to provide one or more redundant seals adapted to prevent, or at least obstruct, migration of the pressurized fluid from the clearance gap 62 to the clearance gap 64, in the axial direction 56.
• a pair of the sealing apparatus 100 is provided opposite one another within the annular groove 48 so that one of the sealing apparatus 100 prevents, or at least obstructs, migration of the pressurized fluid from the clearance gap 64 to the clearance gap 62, in the axial direction 58, and the other of the sealing apparatus 100 prevents, or at least obstructs, migration of the pressurized fluid from the clearance gap 62 to the clearance gap 64, in the axial direction 56.
• two or more of the sealing apparatus 100 are provided within the annular groove 48 so that at least one of the sealing apparatus 100 prevents, or at least obstructs, migration of the pressurized fluid from the clearance gap 64 to the clearance gap 62, in the axial direction 58, and at least one other of the sealing apparatus 100 prevents, or at least obstructs, migration of the pressurized fluid from the clearance gap 62 to the clearance gap 64, in the axial direction 56, with any additional sealing apparatus 100 providing one or more redundant seals, as described above.
• the convex surface 146 of the sealing ring 108 is not limited to a simple arc-shape but may also define a more complex shape based on mathematical equations used to tune the contact stress exerted on the seal mandrel 44 and the receptacle 46 by the sealing ring 108. Moreover, the shape of the convex surface 146 may be determined using a tabulation of empirical results to optimize the contact stress exerted on the seal mandrel 44 and the receptacle 46 by the sealing ring 108.
• the sealing ring 108 is not immune to the effects of temperature dependent decaying bulk modulus values, the sealing ring 108 is better able to retain its shape under elevated temperature and pressure conditions than a chevron seal. In several exemplary embodiments, under elevated pressure and temperature conditions, the contact stress exerted on the seal mandrel 44 and the receptacle 46 by the sealing ring 108 is greater than the contact stress that would be exerted on these components by a chevron seal.
• the present disclosure introduces a sealing apparatus adapted to be positioned in an annular space between concentrically disposed members, the sealing apparatus including a sealing ring defining oppositely inclined interior and exterior surfaces each having a generally frusto-conical shape and defining opposing first and second edges, a nose adjoining the respective first edges of the interior and exterior surfaces, and a first convex surface adjoining the respective second edges of the interior and exterior surfaces opposite the nose; wherein, when the sealing apparatus is positioned in the annular space and in an energized configuration, the first convex surface of the sealing ring is adapted to be depressed so that the interior and exterior surfaces thereof expand radially to exert contact stress on each of the concentrically disposed members.
• the contact stress exerted on each of the concentrically disposed members by the sealing ring exceeds a fluid pressure within the annular space, causing the sealing ring to form a seal against the fluid pressure in the annular space.
• the sealing apparatus further includes a compression ring adapted to be disposed adjacent the sealing ring within the annular space, the compression ring defining a planar surface adapted to engage the first convex surface of the sealing ring, wherein, when the sealing apparatus is positioned in the annular space and in the energized configuration, the fluid pressure within the annular space urges the planar surface of the compression ring to depress the first convex surface of the sealing ring.
• the sealing apparatus further includes a first back-up ring adapted to be disposed adjacent the sealing ring within the annular space, the first back-up ring defining a first concave surface that is adapted to be engaged by the nose of the sealing ring, wherein, when the sealing apparatus is positioned in the annular space and in the energized configuration, the fluid pressure within the annular space urges the nose of the sealing ring to conform with the first concave surface of the first back-up ring, causing the first back-up ring to flare outwardly and engage the concentrically disposed members.
• the sealing apparatus further includes a second back-up ring adapted to be disposed adjacent the first back-up ring within the annular space, the second backup ring defining a second concave surface that is adapted to be engaged by the first back-up ring, wherein, when the sealing apparatus is positioned in the annular space an in the energized configuration, the fluid pressure within the annular space urges the first back-up ring to conform with the second concave surface of the second back-up ring, causing the second back-up ring to flare outwardly and engage the concentrically disposed members.
• the sealing ring when the first back-up ring flares outwardly to engage the concentrically disposed members, extrusion of the sealing ring is restricted within a first temperature range; and, when the second back-up ring flares outwardly to engage the concentrically disposed members, extrusion of the first back-up ring and, consequently, the sealing ring is restricted within a second temperature range, the second temperature range being generally higher than the first temperature range.
• the sealing ring has a first width measured between the respective first edges of the interior and exterior surfaces and a second width measured between the respective second edges of the interior and exterior surfaces, the first width being smaller than the second width.
• the interior and exterior surfaces of the sealing ring define first and second inclination angles, respectively, measured from a longitudinal center axis of the sealing ring, the first and second inclination angles being substantially equal to one another.
• the nose of the sealing ring defines oppositely inclined first and second surfaces each having a generally frusto-conical shape and defining opposing third and fourth edges, and a second convex surface adjoining the respective third edges of the first and second surfaces; and the sealing ring has a third width measured between the respective third edges of the first and second surfaces, the third width being smaller than the first and second widths.
• the first and second surfaces of the sealing ring define third and fourth inclination angles, respectively, measured from the longitudinal center axis of the sealing ring, the third and fourth inclination angles being substantially equal to one another and greater than the first and second inclination angles.
• the present disclosure also introduces a method of sealing an annular space between concentrically disposed members, the method including providing a sealing ring within the annular space, the sealing ring defining oppositely inclined interior and exterior surfaces each having a generally frusto-conical shape and defining opposing first and second edges, a nose adjoining the respective first edges of the interior and exterior surfaces, and a first convex surface adjoining the respective second edges of the interior and exterior surfaces opposite the nose; and forming a seal against a fluid pressure in the annular space, including depressing the first convex surface of the sealing ring so that the interior and exterior surfaces thereof expand radially to exert contact stress on each of the concentrically disposed members.
• the method further includes providing a compression ring adjacent the sealing ring within the annular space, the compression ring defining a planar surface that engages the first convex surface of the sealing ring; and depressing the first convex surface of the sealing ring includes urging the planar surface of the compression ring against the first convex surface of the sealing ring.
• the method further includes providing a first back-up ring adjacent the sealing ring within the annular space, the first back-up ring defining a first concave surface that is engaged by the nose of the sealing ring; and depressing the first convex surface of the sealing ring causes the nose of the sealing ring to conform with the first concave surface of the first back-up ring, forcing the first back-up ring to flare outwardly to engage the concentrically disposed members.
• the method further includes providing a second back-up ring adjacent the first back-up ring within the annular space, the second back-up ring defining a second concave surface that is engaged by the first back-up ring; and depressing the first convex surface of the sealing ring causes the first back-up ring to conform with the second concave surface of the second back-up ring, forcing the second back-up ring to flare outwardly to engage the concentrically disposed members.
• the sealing ring when the first back-up ring flares outwardly to engage the concentrically disposed members, extrusion of the sealing ring is restricted within a first temperature range; and, when the second back-up ring flares outwardly to engage the concentrically disposed members, extrusion of the first back-up ring and, consequently, the sealing ring is restricted within a second temperature range, the second temperature range being generally higher than the first temperature range.
• the sealing ring has a first width measured between the respective first edges of the interior and exterior surfaces and a second width measured between the respective second edges of the interior and exterior surfaces, the first width being smaller than the second width.
• the interior and exterior surfaces of the sealing ring define first and second inclination angles, respectively, measured from a longitudinal center axis of the sealing ring, the first and second inclination angles being substantially equal to one another.
• the nose of the sealing ring defines oppositely inclined first and second surfaces each having a generally frusto-conical shape and defining opposing third and fourth edges, and a second convex surface adjoining the respective third edges of the first and second surfaces; and the sealing ring has a third width measured between the respective third edges of the first and second surfaces, the third width being smaller than the first and second widths.
• the first and second surfaces of the sealing ring define third and fourth inclination angles, respectively, measured from the longitudinal center axis of the sealing ring, the third and fourth inclination angles being substantially equal to one another and greater than the first and second inclination angles.
• the elements and teachings of the various illustrative exemplary embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the illustrative exemplary embodiments.
• one or more of the elements and teachings of the various illustrative exemplary embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments.
• any spatial references such as, for example, "upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “between,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “angular,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “side-to-side,” “left-to-right,” “right-to-left,” “top-to-bottom,” “bottom-to-top,” “top,” “bottom,” “bottom-up,” “top-down,” etc., are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structure described above.
• steps, processes, and procedures are described as appearing as distinct acts, one or more of the steps, one or more of the processes, and/or one or more of the procedures may also be performed in different orders, simultaneously and/or sequentially.
• the steps, processes, and/or procedures may be merged into one or more steps, processes and/or procedures.
• one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted.
• some features of the present disclosure may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features.
• one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or variations may be combined in whole or in part with any one or more of the other above- described embodiments and/or variations.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
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• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
• Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
• Gasket Seals (AREA)
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• 2016
  • 2016-02-29 WO PCT/US2016/020063 patent/WO2017151094A1/en active Application Filing
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• 2018
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• 2021
  • 2021-10-08 US US17/497,604 patent/US20220025731A1/en not_active Abandoned

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